As we celebrate Nurses Month, we at USAHS wanted to get a sense of what a typical workday is like for a nurse manager. We asked alum Ahnnya Slaughter, DNP, to tell us all about a day in her life. Dr. Slaughter graduated in 2021 from USAHS’ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the Nurse Executive role specialty. Coming from a military family, she began working at a VA hospital in the Los Angeles area 30 years ago as a critical care RN. “Veterans deserve the best care,” she says. “My calling wasn’t to be in the military. This is my way of being able to serve the country.” Over the years, she worked her way up, through positions such as informatics specialist, deputy nurse executive, and director of clinical staff development. She began Read more
Master of Health Science (MHS) Online
Master of Health Science (MHS) Online
Location
- Distance + optional immersions
Format
- Online + hands-on
Program duration
- 4–6 trimesters (1.3–2 years)
It’s Your Time to Lead.
The MHS program is not currently enrolling new students.
USAHS’ online Master of Health Science (MHS) program gives you foundational knowledge of the health sciences and prepares you to advance your career in teaching, health education, or research. Our MHS alumni are serving as educators in public health, clinical, and government settings and teaching in community colleges. You can specialize in Teaching & Learning, Executive Leadership, Athletic Training, or Informatics.
The master’s degree is required for many positions in this field. And if you want to go a step further, you can transfer up to 30 credits from the MHS into our Doctor of Education (EdD) program and earn your doctorate in as fast as two years. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred, and other factors. Both our MHS and EdD programs are geared specifically to health education. That’s because healthcare is all we do: USAHS has been dedicated to graduate health sciences education for more than 40 years. Our graduates are helping to address our nation’s shortage of health educators and meet the high demand to fill these roles.
MHS at a Glance
Online coursework
Up to four optional on-campus immersion sessions
Traditional and accelerated pathways
36 credit hours (21 required, 15 electives)
4–6 trimesters (1.3–2 years)
Sept., Jan. & May start dates
Comprehensive project
Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred, and other factors.
How Our MHS Program Stands Apart

We offer specialization options.
Follow the general program—or specialize in your field of choice, including Teaching & Learning (with the optional EdD Bridge program), Executive Leadership, Athletic Training, or Informatics.
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We’re interprofessional.
Our core courses and on-campus immersions emphasize interprofessional education, enabling students from different healthcare professions to learn together and practice working in a team. You will contribute your perspective to problem-solving in collaborative scenarios.
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We’re online + hands-on.
Alongside our online coursework, some core courses offer optional on-campus immersions (scheduled to resume in 2022), a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with faculty and fellow students—and complete the course faster.
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We offer acceleration options.
In the flexible and individualized MHS program, your advisors will work with you to design a customized plan of study. You can stack up to three courses per term, take self-paced courses that award credit according to competency assessments*, and ask to transfer credits from another graduate program. * Please note that for accelerated learning courses, students must enroll in and concurrently complete an “anchor” course (i.e., a course not designated with a “B” suffix) to be eligible for financial aid for the accelerated learning course. See the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
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We’re innovative.
We’ve long been at the forefront of innovative and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, you will develop and complete a capstone project that investigates an area of healthcare administration, plus an optional internship.
Learn MoreMHS to EdD Bridge Program
If you successfully complete the MHS program, you will be eligible to apply up to 30 credits to our Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program, and earn your doctorate in less time. Please note that for accelerated learning courses, students must enroll in and concurrently complete an “anchor” course (i.e., a course not designated with a “B” suffix) to be eligible for financial aid for the accelerated learning course. See the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
Professional Certifications
The ImPACT® Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) certification is available for students who complete the Evidence-based Concussion Management course, part of the Athletic Training specialization.

MHS Requirements and Program Information
How to ApplyMHS Specializations
Areas of Specialization
Follow the General program—or choose from our four specializations.
Teaching & Learning Specialization
Practice teaching methodologies that motivate the modern student—in both traditional and online classrooms—and develop curricula that meet the varying needs of learners across generations. As you complete your comprehensive project, you will have the option to develop a curriculum for a healthcare organization or gain experience in online teaching. You’ll prepare for roles such as:
- Health sciences faculty member in higher education
- Health curriculum developer
- Public health educator
- Wellness program manager
- Wellness consultant
Informatics
Immerse yourself in the growing, interdisciplinary field of health informatics. Learn how to use computers, information technology, and other IT-based innovations to analyze data and manage healthcare records.
Health informatics specialists and analysts play an important role in facilitating effective collaboration between various healthcare providers, which leads to improved patient care outcomes. Potential careers include:
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Other Data Analysts
Students who complete the Informatics specialization are eligible to receive the following certificates:
- Certified Specialist in Business Intelligence (CSBI) Certificate
- Neehr Perfect Completion Certificate
Athletic Training
Interested in adding to your credentials as an athletic trainer or athletic therapist? Through the Athletic Training specialization, you will develop leadership, problem solving, and business skills, cultivate expertise in risk management and cultural competence, and become exposed to advanced concepts such as injury prevention programs and the treatment of female and disabled athletes.
As an athletic training MHS student, you can also expect to:
- Immediately apply knowledge from relevant courses such as Evidence-based Concussion Management, Sport and Disability, and Emergency Athletic Training
- Leverage CAATE competencies and the NATA’s Role Delineation Study as a foundation for the advanced coursework
- Expand your experiential knowledge of athletic training public policy issues
- Learn how to effectively share industry information with your peers
- Complete the Evidence-based Concussion Management course (IPE 7255) and become an ImPACT®Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT)
- 33.0 EBP CEUs are provided across courses in this specialization
Students who are licensed and/or certified athletic trainers or athletic therapists may also attend the three-day, on-campus immersion (part of the Emergency Athletic Training course) and benefit from a hands-on approach to learning advanced emergency skills for athletic injury management. The immersion fulfills the professional rescuer requirements to maintain board licensure and/or certification.
Students who complete the Athletic Training specialization are eligible to receive the Impact Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) certificate.
Executive Leadership
If you aspire to lead in a healthcare environment, the Executive Leadership specialization can help provide the necessary skills to achieve your goal. Complete a series of courses to learn more about operational leadership, developing and managing an effective team, strategic planning and decision making, leadership strategies and the importance of quality performance standards to achieve organizational outcomes. Accelerated learning is available for select courses in this specialization.
X CloseMHS Curriculum
Curriculum
Students in the MHS program take a total of 36 credits—21 credits of required core courses, as well as 15 general elective or specialization credits. Students may choose the traditional learning pathway, which requires 6 credit hours per trimester, or the accelerated learning pathway, which requires 9 credit hours per trimester. Please note that for accelerated learning courses, students must enroll in and concurrently complete an “anchor” course (i.e., a course not designated with a “B” suffix) to be eligible for financial aid for the accelerated learning course. See the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
Required Core Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
IPE 7001 - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice or IPE 7001B - Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (B) ♦ | 3 |
IPE 7025 - Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare or IPE 7025B - Psychosocial Strategies for Healthcare (B) | 3 |
IPE 7050 - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals or IPE 7050B - Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals (B) ♦ | 3 |
IPE 7100 - Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
IPE 7200 - Cultural Competence in Healthcare or IPE 7200B - Cultural Competence in Healthcare (B) | 3 |
IPE 7421 - Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health or IPE 7421B - Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health (B) ♦ | 3 |
MHS 7700 - Comprehensive Project | 3 |
Total Core Curriculum Credit Hours Total Degree Credit Hours | 21 36 |
♦ The immersions—Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice, Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Professionals, and Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health—are optional for all students.
Follow the General Program or Choose a Specialization
General Elective Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
IPE 7300 - Entrepreneurial Strategies in Healthcare | 3 |
MHS 7313 - Fundamentals of Healthcare Law | 3 |
MHS 7315 - Contemporary Trends in Wellness | 3 |
IPE 7121/7121B - Organizational Leadership & Policy in Healthcare | 3 |
Total General Elective Credit Hours | 15 |
Total Degree Credit Hours | 36 |
Athletic Training Specialization | Credit Hours |
---|---|
ATP 6000 - Leadership in Athletic Training | 3 |
ATP 6025 - Business of Athletic Training | 3 |
ATP 6175 - Emergency Athletic Training | 3 |
ATP 6215 - Sport & Disability | 3 |
ATP 6330 - International Athletic Training | 3 |
ATP 7130 - Evidence-based Injury Prevention Students earn 30 EBP CEUs. | 3 |
HCS 7416 - Foundations of Imaging | 3 |
IPE 7255 - Evidence-based Concussion Management* | 3 |
IPE 7316 - Women's Health & Wellbeing | 3 |
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health or IPE 7421B – Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health (B) | 3 |
MHS 7315 - Contemporary Trends in Wellness | 3 |
Total Specialization Credit Hours | 15 |
Total Degree Credit Hours | 36 |
*Students earn the ImPACT® Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) certification and 3.0 EBP continuing education units (CEUs).
Teaching & Learning Specialization | Credit Hours |
---|---|
EDF 7050/B - Teaching Methods in Higher Education | 3 |
EDF 7161 - Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education | 3 |
EDF 7171 - Motivation Theory in Healthcare Education | 3 |
EDF 7175/B - Foundational Theories in Education | 3 |
EDF 7181 - Technology in Higher Education | 3 |
EDF 7182 - Innovations in Healthcare Education | 3 |
Total Specialization Credit Hours | 15 |
Total Degree Credit Hours | 36 |
Students who choose the Teaching & Learning specialization have the option to enter the MHS to EdD Bridge program and earn their Doctor of Education in less time.
Informatics Specialization | Credit Hours |
---|---|
IPE 7155 - Clinical Data Analytics and Decision Support | 3 |
IPE 7250 - Healthcare System Life Cycle Analysis and Design | 3 |
IPE 7365 - Information Management for Quality and Safety | 3 |
IPE 7400 - Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management or IPE 7400B - Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management (B) | 3 |
IPE 7495 - Application of Technology for Population Health and Healthcare Professional Education | 3 |
Total Specialization Credit Hours Total Degree Credit Hours | 15 36 |
Executive Leadership Specialization | Credit Hours |
---|---|
HSA 7200 - Foundations of Healthcare Administration or HSA 7200B - Foundations of Healthcare Administration (B) | 3 |
HSA 7250 - Human Resources Management and Organizational Development in Healthcare | 3 |
HSA 7260 - Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare or HAS 7260B - Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare | 3 |
HSA 7455 - Special Topics in Professional Practice | Hours Vary |
IPE 7133 - Strategic Planning In Healthcare Administration | 3 |
IPE 7230 - Program/Project Planning and Management for Practice and Policy Change | 3 |
Total Specialization Credit Hours Total Degree Credit Hours | 15 36 |
MHS to EdD Bridge Program
Upon successful completion of your MHS degree, you will be eligible to enroll in the MHS to EdD Bridge Program. Up to 30 credits can be applied from the MHS program, allowing you to complete the USAHS Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program in less time.
X CloseMHS Admissions Requirements
USAHS’ MHS program is open to residents of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
USAHS is not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program. It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. USAHS’ MHS program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
Admissions Requirements
Our MHS admissions requirements listed below are put in place to help you succeed in the program.
- A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university—preferably in the health sciences.
- Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended sent directly to the Admissions Office by the Registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- One recommendation from a professional colleague
- Statement of Purpose – Essay of approximately 500 words describing the applicant’s short and long-term career goals and plans to achieve those goals.
- For those interested in the Athletic Training Specialization, residents of the USA, Canada and Ireland will need to provide evidence that you are a Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), and/or a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), a Canadian Athletic Therapist (CAT) or an Athletic Rehabilitation Therapist Ireland (ARTI).
International Students Applying for Admission
Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission.
For those interested in the Athletic Training Specialization, International students from countries other than USA, Canada and Ireland must meet with the program director or student academic advisor to discuss specialization coursework.
If the applicant completed his or her education in a foreign country, the applicant must submit an original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). If the NACES-approved evaluation service includes a copy of the evaluated official transcripts with the evaluation, USAHS will consider these transcripts as official. The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a baccalaureate degree (or master’s degree, if required for the program) earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.
MHS Tuition & COA
Tuition & COA
The 36-credit-hour Master of Health Science (MHS) program may be completed in an accelerated 16 months, or a traditional two (2) years. Total program tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year is as follows. All fees are estimates and subject to change.
Tuition is approximately $3,572 per trimester or $595 per credit hour for all courses not involving a separate seminar. Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.School Expenses | Tuition and Fees |
---|---|
Tuition | $21,433.00 |
Program Fees | $2,004.00 |
Books & Associated School Expenses | $1,000.00 |
Total Program Direct Expenses | $24,437.00 |
For a breakdown of tuition, fees and estimated living expenses click here.
Financial Aid
Student loans may be available to assist with funding your Master of Health Science program. USAHS has financial aid counselors who are available to explain your options.
Financial aid counselors can be reached by email, phone, or on campus. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in each time zone. If you are unable to meet during regular office hours, after-hours appointments are available by request.
Please visit our Financial Aid Contact page for more information.
X CloseMHS Industry Leaders
Meet Our MHS Faculty Industry Leaders
Shone Gipson
Shone is in his first year as an assistant athletic trainer at the Cleveland Browns. A member of the Buffalo Bills Athletic Training Staff for sixteen seasons, he was honored as a member of the 2007 and 2014 Athletic Training Staff of the Year by the Pro Football Athletic Trainers Society and the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. Before coming to the Bills, Gipson spent two years as an assistant athletic trainer at Texas A&M. He also served as a seasonal assistant athletic trainer with the Bills during the 2002 season. Prior to the Bills, he served as a summer intern with the Washington Redskins in 1998 and the New York Giants in 2000. In 1998 Gipson earned the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Ethnic Minority Scholarship as well as the University of Houston Barry C. Pelton Scholarship for outstanding work in kinesiology from the University of Houston in 1999 working as a student athletic trainer under Hall of Fame athletic trainer, Mike O’Shea. From 1999-2001, he was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Stephen F. Austin State University, working with the soccer and softball teams under Hall of Fame athletic trainer, Sanford Miller. Shone received his master’s degree in secondary education from SFA in 2002. A native of Bay City, Texas, Gipson is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Ohio Athletic Trainers Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Rick Bahr
Rick Bahr is the founder, president, and CEO of WMI Global, LLC, which provides professional event risk management, safety, emergency, sports medical, and rescue services at major sporting events around the world.
Chuck Kimmel
Specializations: Athletic Training
Chuck Kimmel brings more than 35 years of leadership and clinical experience to the online classroom, including his service as National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) president, secretary/treasurer, district director, and committee chair.
Stefanie Podlog
Specializations: Athletic Training
Dr. Stefanie Podlog is an adjunct faculty contributing to the Master of Health Science in Athletic Training online education program. She has over 20 years of experience as a nurse, educator, researcher, and consultant in the health and injury fields.
George Poulis
Specializations: Athletic Training
George was recently appointed Head Athletic trainer of the Atlanta Braves, after fifteen seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Prior to the Blue Jays, he was an athletic trainer for the San Diego Padres’ Minor League for 10 years.
Jenna Street
Specializations: Athletic Training
Jenna Street is the coordinator of Sports Medicine Clinic Operations for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). After finishing her master’s degree, Street completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship with the USOC, where she has worked full time since 2009.
Sonya Soohoo, Ph.D
ACE- Certified Health Coach
Dr. Sonya SooHoo received her Bachelor’s in Human Biodynamics from the University of California, Berkeley, her Master’s in Kinesiology from California State University, East Bay, and her Doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science with a Specialty in Sport and Exercise Psychology and Health Promotion from the University of Utah. She is a Research Data Analyst at the University of California, San Francisco, examining older adults’ social and physical stressors on the long-term courses of health. In addition to being a new contributing faculty at USAHS, she works with clients of all ages as a mental performance consultant and health coach. Her main research interests include body image, disordered eating, physical activity, and psychosocial aspects of aging, and she has collaborated on over 25 published articles and book chapters on health-related topics across the lifespan.
Please visit the USAHS faculty page for the most up-to-date faculty list
X CloseMHS Advisory Board
MHS Advisory Board
Athletic Training Expert – Adam R. Annaccone, EdD, ATC,CES, PES
Dr. Adam Annaccone is an Elite Practitioner and Director of Performance Healthcare Education and Integration for Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star. He is a Board Certified Athletic Trainer, a Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Dr. Annaccone has extensive experience providing injury and illness prevention, wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation. In addition, he has provided health and well-being skills to patients and athletes from amateur, collegiate, and professional backgrounds.
Prior to moving to Frisco, Dr. Annaccone spent the past three seasons with the NBA Phoenix Suns as a member of their highly regarded sports medicine staff as Director of Performance & Recovery. In addition, he has served as an independent contractor for Fusionetics, a performance healthcare system, traveling the globe with high-profile professional athletes. The program is designed to reduce injuries, decrease pain, optimize performance, and speed recovery. He has also served as an instructor within various accredited undergraduate and graduate athletic training programs, most recently, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
In 2013, he was recognized by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association with the NATA Young Professional’s Committee National Distinction Award. Dr. Annaccone has been an active member in the profession of athletic training, serving on various local, regional, and national committees, most recently in Arizona as a member of the Arizona Athletic Trainers’ Association Government Affairs Committee. He holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education from Clarion University, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Duquesne University.
Informatics Expert – Corinne Smith, MBA, RHIA CCS CDIP CHDA
Corinne Smith is a Professor and Program Coordinator for the Health Information Management and Coding Certificate programs at Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Health Information and Informatics Management graduate program at University of Maryland University College. She has been an educator for more than 18 years and contributed to course and curriculum design at several online and campus-based health information management programs. Before working as a HIM educator, Corinne held management and health IT positions at healthcare organizations in the Maryland/D.C./Virginia area.
Corinne is an active volunteer for the American Health Information Management Association and its D.C. chapter. She serves AHIMA as Chair of the Professional Certification Approval Program Board of Directors, as a Faculty Badge mentor and as a member of the Council on Education Program Planning Committee. She is a past-President of DCHIMA and has served in many roles for DCHIMA over the past 20 years.
Teaching & Learning in Healthcare Expert – Justine J. Reel, PhD, LPC, CMPC
Dr. Justine Reel is an Associate Dean of Research and Innovation and Professor within the College of Health and Human Services at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Prior to this position she served on the faculty at University of Utah, West Chester University, Temple University, and Salem College. At University of Utah she most recently worked as the Director of Graduate Studies and an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Education.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of North Carolina and Utah. Since 2009, as a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC), she has worked with athletes from diverse sports in Olympic, college, high school, and youth sports. Her research and health education specialty areas include obesity and eating disorder prevention. She led the development and implementation of an exercise education program to address dysfunctional exercise patterns within eating disorder patients.
Dr. Reel has published the following books: Filling Up: The Psychology of Eating, Hidden Faces of Eating Disorders and Body Image, Eating Disorders: An Encyclopedia of Causes, Treatment, and Prevention, Working Out: The Psychology of Sport and Exercise, and The Female Athlete Triad along with over 100 manuscripts and book chapters. She received her doctorate and master’s degrees at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
X CloseMHS Program Data
Master of Health Science (MHS)
Click the program below to view the program data:
Master of Health Science (MHS)
X CloseStudents Residing Outside the United States
Please note that many countries have their own accrediting and licensing bodies, and degree recognition and licensure differ from country to country. Additionally, a number of countries do not recognize online degrees for employment or promotion purposes, particularly government agency employment or promotion. University programs are designed to meet accreditation, licensure and other requirements in the United States. If you reside outside of the United States, it is important that you review and understand the requirements of your country of residence to confirm licensure requirements, as well as recognition of your program for employment or promotion purposes in those countries.
X CloseLearning Outcomes
- Engage in personal and professional development and lifelong learning activities.
- Display qualities of integrity and professionalism in healthcare practice to advance the profession.
- Develop knowledge of fundamental concepts from which you can develop a collaborative approach to solving problems.
- Use leadership skills to promote self and profession.
- Apply evidence in decision-making associated with current healthcare practice.
- Conceptualize and make decisions in individual activities with a sense of independence in discovering information, fostering new ideas, and solving problems.
- Interact in a manner that demonstrates effective communication for various audiences and purposes.
Upcoming MHS Events
ThursdayMay 26, 2022

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) – Admissions Webinar – 4PM PT
ThursdayMay 26, 2022

Nursing (MSN, DNP, FNP) Webinar – 4PM PT
ThursdayJune 2, 2022
